Pacific Coast Road, Nogales

to Puerto Vallarta Driving

and Travel Guide Log 2011

only $9.99

click here

Click this ad for more info

Click for BIG details

For a great time

Click here to go to Salvador's

October 13, 2011 

The Sol, providing news and information to the Jaltemba communities since 2003

The Sol, the English Language source of News for the Riviera Nayarit Mexico, including La Peñita de Jaltemba, Rincon de Guayabitos, Lo de Marcos. Los Ayala, Lo de Marcos, and San Poncho

 Learn Spanish Today 
 

Pan American Beach Volleyball Games Start in Vallarta Oct 16

BanderasNews Team goto original

The preliminary rounds of the 2011 Pan American Beach Volleyball Games will be played October 16-19, the Semifinals from October 20-21, and the finals are scheduled for Saturday, October 22.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Are you ready for some Volleyball? The 2011 Pan American Games Beach Volleyball tournament will begin on Sunday, October 16th at the newly constructed Pan American Beach Volleyball Stadium, located at the south end of Puerto Vallarta's Hotel Zone, near the Sheraton Hotel.

A total of 64 athletes (32 men and 32 women) on teams from Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, United States, Argentina, El Salvador, Puerto Rico and Nicaragua will participate in the preliminary, semifinals and final beach volleyball matches at the provisional sports facility that was specifically built for the Pan American Games in Puerto Vallarta.

The preliminary rounds will be played October 16th-19th, the Semifinals from October 20th-21st, and the finals are scheduled for Saturday, October 22nd. In order to allow more people into the Pan American Volleyball Beach Stadium, every day there will be two "shifts" of games, one in the morning from 9:00 am-12:00 pm, and another in the afternoon from 1:00 pm-6:00 pm.

Pan American Games Beach Volleyball Tournament Schedule:

Preliminary Rounds
Sunday, October 16th 9:00 am and 1:00 pm
Monday, October 17th 9:00 am and 1:00 pm
Tuesday, October 18th 9:00 am and 1:00 pm
Wednesday, October 19th 9:00 am
Quarter-Finals 1:00 pm

Semi-Finals
Thursday, October 20th 9:00 am
Friday, October 21st 10:00 am

Finals
Saturday, October 22nd 11:00 am

Ticket Information:

Tickets may be purchased online at ticketmaster.com.mx and at the Pan American Volleyball Stadium box office.

Tickets for the October 16th-19th Preliminary Rounds cost $40, $60 & $120 pesos for the morning games and $50, $80 and $150 pesos for the afternoon games.

Tickets for the October 20th-21st Semifinals cost $80, $120 & $200 pesos for both the morning and the afternoon games.

Tickets are sold out for the October 22nd Beach Volleyball Tournament Finals, so if you'd like to be a part of all of the Pan American Games excitement - get yours TODAY! Mexico is sure to do well during this year’s matches, as they placed 5th in overall medals last year in Rio de Janeiro with 18 gold, 24 silver and 31 bronze medals for a total 73 medals.

For more information about the 2011 Guadalajara Pan American Games, visit the official website. Fans can also stay connected through the Pan American Games facebook page.

Sources: Guadalajara2011.org.mx, Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, LivePuntaMita.com

Sunset over Jaltemba Bay just before the storm

Click here to read more
When faced with a Hurricane sometimes humor is needed ...Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner at Matejas is Postponed

NEW CONTEST

Win a cooking class at Debra Triplets Famous Cooking Classes!

Tell us in 50 words or less what you favorite Mexican dish is and why you love it. (Yes you can mention a restaurant.) One entry per Friend of Riviera Nayarit. Winner will be announced November 15, 2011. Submission must be posted on Friends of Nayarit Face book. Click here.

* Class selection based on availability!

1st Entry from   f   Friends of Riviera Nayarit

Tanis Magnusson

My favorite Mexican dish is Vecaro Camerones! made with the large camerones, I think its the fresco cheese and the wonderful Mexican bacon that makes this dish so scrumptious, my favorite place to have them is Tonita's on the beach, MMMMMM,,!! its also the way the camarones are cooked in the shell, smoken hot, crisp, dripping with cheese and juice, OMG,, did I say they were fresh that morning out of the ocean !!! I can almost taste them now, cannot wait to get back to Los Ayla and visit Tonita's ... see you soon,!!! (I have made this dish at home here in BC, with great ingredients also, but..... its just not the same,!!!)

This Week

Twin Tropical Troubles for Mexico Next Week

This enhanced infrared satellite image taken early Friday morning shows both Tropical Storm Irwin (left circulation) and Tropical Storm Jova (right). (NOAA)

Not one, but two hurricanes will threaten the west coast of Mexico next week as the tropics heat up again across the eastern Pacific.

Hurricane Irwin and Tropical Storm Jova, meandering near each other over the Pacific, will continue to strengthen over the next few days as they slowly turn east toward Mexico.

Although Irwin became a hurricane this morning, it is Jova that represents the more immediate threat to the nation's west coast as a potential Category 2 hurricane early next week…go to original article

Mexico captures 1 of drug cartel's last leaders

Mexican police say they have captured one of the last major leaders of the La Familia cartel, a pseudo-religious drug gang that has been decimated by arrests and killings.

The head of the federal police anti-drug unit says suspect Martin Rosales Magana was trying to forge an alliance with the Zetas cartel to revive La Familia.

Federal Police Commissioner Facundo Rosas says La Familia has been almost completely disarticulated. …go to original article

Sad but true: Canada and Mexico have no clout in Washington

The paradox of North America’s skewed development is that, although Canada and Mexico make extraordinarily large contributions to America’s economic strength, homeland security and international effectiveness, they have virtually no influence in Washington’s corridors of power.

Starting with the economic realm, Canada and Mexico are the United States’ largest external sources of material strength….go to original article

Obama backs U.S. attorney general amid gun scandal

U.S. President Barack Obama said on Thursday he fully supported Attorney General Eric Holder, who has come under scrutiny after a botched operation to track guns smuggled to Mexican drug cartels.

"I have complete confidence in Attorney General Holder," Obama said at a news conference. "He has been very aggressive in going after gun running and cash transactions that are going to these transnational drug cartels in Mexico." …go to original article

Mexican president says Jobs example of creativity

MEXICO CITY — Mexican President Felipe Calderon expressed regret over the death of Steve Jobs on Wednesday, saying the Apple Inc. co-founder leaves behind a legacy of "struggle, inspiration and creativity."

A message on Calderon's Twitter account said "the world has lost one of the most visionary minds of our times."….go to original article

Mexico rescues 38 migrants lost in desert after abandonment by smugglers near Arizona border

Mexican officials have rescued 38 U.S.-bound migrants who were abandoned in the high desert near the Arizona border.

The Interior Ministry says the four women and 34 men were left by human smugglers in two remote locations eight and 15 miles from the border city of Nogales, Mexico….go to original article

Researchers find Aztec temple ceremonial platform in Mexico City that could be tomb site

Archaeologists found a round Aztec ceremonial platform studded with stone carvings of serpent heads at Mexico City’s Templo Mayor ruin, raising hopes in the search for an emperor’s tomb, authorities said Thursday.

No Aztec ruler’s tomb has ever been located and researchers have been on a five-year quest to find a royal tomb in the area of the Templo Mayor, a complex of two huge pyramids and numerous smaller structures that contained the ceremonial and spiritual heart of the pre-Hispanic Aztec empire….go to original article

ASU, Mexico school team on Latin American sustainability institute

Arizona State University Arizona State University and Tecnologico de Monterrey will partner on a Latin American office of the Global Institute of Sustainability, an effort designed to bring more focus to the institute.

The office will be on Tecnologico de Monterrey’s Mexico City Campus and run by the Mexican university using ASU’s model, said Rick Shangraw, senior vice president for the Office of Knowledge Enterprise Development at ASU and director at the institute….go to original article

Pro-life victory in Mexican Supreme Court

By the slimmest of margins, the Mexican Supreme Court has ruled the two state amendments that protect human life from conception are constitutional.

Seventeen of Mexico’s 32 states have passed amendments protecting human life from the moment of conception. The two under consideration by the court were those passed by Baja California Norte and San Luis Potosí. …go to original article

Last Week

'Til 2013 do us part? Mexico mulls 2-year marriage

Mexico City lawmakers want to help newlyweds avoid the hassle of divorce by giving them an easy exit strategy: temporary marriage licenses. Leftists in the city's assembly -- who have already riled conservatives by legalizing gay marriage -- proposed a reform to the civil code this week that would allow couples to decide on the length of their commitment, opting out of a lifetime….go to original article

Mexico City angers church with proposed prenups to address divorce issues, set marriage length

The Roman Catholic Church reacted harshly Friday to a bill proposed by Mexico City legislators that would require all couples to sign a prenuptial agreement specifying how to handle child custody and other issues in case of divorce — and estimating how long the marriage is expected to last.

Sponsors of the bill submitted this week in the city council say the proposal aims to cut down on the lengthy, nasty divorce proceedings choking the capital district’s courts, by making potential couples decide about monetary and custody issues by mutual agreement before they get married….go to original article

GOP presidential candidate says he is open to sending troops to Mexico to help battle cartels

Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry says he is open to sending American troops to Mexico to help battle drug cartels. Perry, the Texas governor, likens the situation to Colombia, where the government accepted American military support in battling the war on drugs. Perry says the current violence may require similar military action….go to original article

2 powerful cartels dominate in Mexico drug war

Five years after President Felipe Calderon launched an offensive against Mexico's five main drug cartels, the nation is now dominated by two powerful organizations that appear poised for a one-on-one battle to control drug markets and trafficking routes.

The government's success in killing or arresting some cartel leaders has fractured most of the other gangs to such an extent that they have devolved into quarreling bands, or been forced to operate as subsidiaries of the two main cartels. That has often meant expanded territory and business opportunities for the hyper-violent Zetas and drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's Sinaloa cartel….go to original article

Mexico denies that paramilitaries operate

Top Mexican security officials said Thursday that there is no evidence that true paramilitary groups are operating in Mexico, countering video boasts by a shadowy group of masked men who asserted responsibility for the torture-murder of 35 alleged drug cartel members last week….go to original article

Ten plaintiffs Sue former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo for alleged crimes against humanity

Ten anonymous plaintiffs are suing former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo for alleged crimes against humanity. Zedillo, an international studies professor at Yale University, says these accusations are slanderous. Zedillo supposedly played a large part in a 1997 massacre of 45 people in a small Mexican village….go to original article

 

Restaurant Las Brisas:  

   La Penita Beachside Dining

© Tara A. Spears

 “Welcome back, friends!” said Tiki as he bustled about taking orders. As the restaurant begins its second year of operation at Ave. Emiliano Zapato #61 (where the avenita ends at the ocean,) Tiki looks forward to another great winter season. “I have been working all summer to have the restaurant at its very best. As the seasonal residents are returning, it touches me that many are stopping at the restaurant- not as repeat customers, but as friends- to fill me in on what’s happening in their lives.”  While the gorgeous ocean view with its tropic wind lures people to try “Breeze Restaurant,” it is the terrific food, chilled cocktails, and owner Tiki’s charm that has them coming back.    

Click here to read the entire story

A Holiday Without Celebration: Dia de La Raza

@ Tara A. Spears

 

“On the tree of humanity, there are many leaves and flowers, but our trunk will always be indigenous…”            Cuban patriot Jose Marti

In some parts of North and South America October 12 pays tribute to the controversial explorer and conqueror, Columbus. But in Mexico, the holiday is called Dia de la Raza and focuses on honoring the ethnic diversity of its people rather than the expansion of European civilization through the efforts of the Spanish crown. As early as 1836 Oaxacan historian Don Maria de Bustamente termed the October 12, 1492 event as “the most villainous day there could ever be in America; the day its slavery was established.”

On October 12, 1946, José Vasconcelos, who was the Mexican Secretary of Education and is credited with molding its present educational system, made a speech celebrating the arrival of Columbus because it "transformed and enlarged the world". His philosophy, which he called "aesthetic monism," attempted to deal with the world as a cosmic unity. In his many writings on the subject, he called for a synthesis of Mexican life based upon indigenous culture, which he believed transcended what he saw as the narrow limits of Western culture. He called this the Cosmic Race, La Raza Cósmica.

 

Click here to read the entire story              

 

 

Crab sauce by Bill Bell

 

La Penita Icon Dr. Theodore Trowbridge Lerch passes away

A big part of Riviera Nayarit Community is the La Penita RV Park where over 200 Canadians and Americans live 4 to six months a year.  A very big part of that community over the last 20 years passed away in September.  Dr. Theodore Trowbridge Lerch   better known as “Doc” was truly a legend to all of the people who knew him and had the pleasure to sit and talk to him and his wonderful wife, Barbara.

His sense of humor, his love for his family and his ability to play a mean game of water volleyball well into his 90’s was truly astonishing.

I once had the extreme pleasure of picking him and his wife up at the Puerto Vallarta airport on one of his last visits to our area.  As we turned the corner and passed the turn off to Los Ayala I heard him whisper to his wife Barbara “Home again, home at last.”  

If  fond and comforting memories of a community help make a place a home, then I have to say thank you to Ted for all the great memories he provided all of us at the La Penita RV Park and on the Jaltemba coast.  And  now, whenever I  pass that intersection after a long absence from the area I too can say “Home at last.”  By Bill Bell

Click here to read more

 

Miracle Worker Returns to Zapopan

© Tara A. Spears

One of Mexico’s largest religious festivals is celebrated October 12 in the Guadalajara area.  The homecoming celebration for a tiny cornhusk statue of the Virgin Mary-the Virgin of Zapopan- is a very large and festive gathering centered around the romeria, a Catholic ceremony that consists of a trip via car/float/horseback/ or on foot that ends at a sanctuary. The procession bearing the Virgin is preceded by hundreds of groups, including charros, honor guards from numerous Roman Catholic organizations, Indian dancers in native costume, choirs and marching bands, who will lead the statue with dance and music to its ancestral home in the Basilica of Zapopan. You don’t have to be a believer to enjoy the parade and accompanying entertainment.

Miracles and legends:     Since the Virgin of Zapopan arrived in Mexico in 1541, miracles have reportedly occurred. In 1721 the city of Guadalajara was confronted with the plague so the Virgin was transported there to protect the inhabitants. . Miracles attributed to her over the years have included saving Guadalajara from the plague and impending earthquakes, as well as restoring Lake Chapala to health in times of drought.

Click here to read the entire story

 

Nayarit Fisheries Management Initiative
 

Paty Aguilar - Noticias PV Nayarit
go to original

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The Undersecretary of Fisheries has approximately 3,500 registered fishermen in Nayarit, though it is known that there are a number of fishermen and boats that are not yet registered.

On Wednesday, October 5, 2011, in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, a new CONAPESCA program for Fisheries Management in the state of Nayarit was initiated. The head of SAGARPA, Peter Guevara Aguirre, predicted the completion of this program in December of this year.

The program is being run by the Autonomous University of Nayarit, which will complete a count of how many fishermen there are, as well as the amount of fishing gear, boats, and engines that perform this activity in the Banderas Bay region.

Last August, CONAPESCA signed an agreement of cooperation between the Fisheries Management of Nayarit and the Autonomous University of Nayarit, with an investment of $4,600,000 pesos designated for carrying out this survey by next December.

The event, led by the National Commission on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, CONAPESCA, took place in the Marina Riviera Nayarit, and was attended by fishermen from around the state, federal officials, state and federal representatives of Nayarit and Jalisco, and aldermen from the Bahía de Banderas and Compostela.

Sergio Castillo Vargas Machuca, a professor at the Autonomous University of Nayarit, explained that upon completion of the survey three steps will be taken: photo badging of all state coastal fishermen, registration of ships at no cost to the fisherman, and the installation of microchips in these vessels with information regarding the boat registration number, motor and fishing permit.

The next phase of this project will be fisheries management based on the data collected, with applications for legal operation of boats and fishing permits classified by type of fishing gear, as well as decision making to re-design policies to revitalize the fishing industry of Nayarit.

Translated for BanderasNews by Kathleen Harris

 

 

 

Cover of the Jaltemba Sol

Patty will be opening Hinde and Jaime's Restaurant this Monday, just in time for Monday night football and Hurricane Jova

Click here to visit our web

Mexico Home and Condo Insurer Offers Palapa Coverage

Mexpro.com, the leading provider of auto, home, condo, and watercraft insurance for U.S. and Canadian visitors to Mexico, announced today an easing of the Palapa restrictions on its Mexico Homeowners program. The product is specifically designed for Americans and Canadians who own homes or condos in Mexico.

Traditionally, any structure that includes 'Palapa', or thatched roof material, has been very difficult to insure in Mexico...

Mexpro.com, the leading provider of auto, home, condo, and watercraft insurance for U.S. and Canadian visitors to Mexico, announced today an easing of the Palapa restrictions on its Mexico Homeowners program. The product is specifically designed for Americans and Canadians who own homes or condos in Mexico.

“Traditionally, any structure that includes 'Palapa', or thatched roof material, has been very difficult to insure in Mexico,” stated Nate Watson, Mexpro.com’s COO. “We are pleased that we are now able to offer some limited coverage for locations that include some palapa construction.”

The product is underwritten by ACE Seguros; a subsidiary of the A.M. Best A+ rated multinational ACE Group.

Historically, Mexico Homeowners policies have not offered the level of coverage that U.S. and Canadian consumers are accustomed to. Mexpro’s Mexico Home and Condo insurance program provides coverage and terms modeled after typical, easy to understand, U.S. insurance policies.

Consumers who would prefer to have their U.S. agent handle the insurance, not only on their home in the U.S., but also in Mexico, can ask their agent to contact Mexpro.com. Mexpro.com shares commissions with agents across the U.S. and Canada who distribute their Mexico Insurance products.

To see a full Comparison between Mexpro.com’s Mexico Homeowners Insurance policies and those offered by other insurance companies please visit http://www.mexpro.com.

International Insurance Group, Inc.  is one of the leading providers of Specialty Personal Lines insurance in the U.S., with niche products for Auto, Home and Watercraft insurance in Mexico, and Manufactured Home, RV, and Vacant and Rental Dwelling insurance in all 50 U.S. states.

 

 

Classifieds Sold

Thank you Bill , the Sol is the best , My washing machine is already sold . Carole 

One of the larger schools is seeking a volunteer to review English for 15 minutes a week to 4 classes (1 hour). It will be my pleasure to introduce you and stay with you the first visit. They review counting 1 -10, colours, greetings, the days of the week, and other basics. If you know some Spanish, it is helpful but not necessary.

Safe travels everyone and thank you for considering donating supplies!
 

---

 

 

 

 

Bringing Joy to Jaltemba

by Dorothy Bell  

There are many things that our Snowbirds bring down from the North that are appreciated so much down here. If you have a corner in your suitcase or a box you could stash in your car or RV, please consider bringing something down to make life for the locals just that much better.

There is still an opportunity to go to thrift shops and yard sales. Clean out your basement, attic or garage. Hopefully you will find a baseball glove that needs a new owner or a Barbie doll that would bring huge smiles for a young girl at Christmas.

Christmas Gifts

Every year Santa visits many of the Colonials – Mexican neighborhoods - to give gifts at Christmas to kids. There are a few Santas out there that ensure your gift goes to the most needy…

Toys and Gifts The Guayabitos Santa via Danny Milski/Rouque. Deliver gifts to Danny: write firstmaterubia@hotmail.com and he will give you instructions

Salvador’s Restaurant Christmas Day Giveaway for Beach kids. Deliver directly to Salvador’s on the Beach or on the Highway. (email: salvador_ambriz@hotmail.com)

Barbie Dolls The Barbie Lady says Barbie Dolls and clothes are needed for distribution during the coming Holiday season. Volunteers also welcome to help at the barbie dressing parties to be held the first two weeks of December. For additional info email Geri de Moss (email:gd1935@wildblue.net)  

Sporting Goods

Mataja’s Restaurant (email: matejasmexico@hotmail.com) is home for the sports equipment giveaways! You would have to be there to see the smiles and appreciation from last year! Bring gloves, bats, balls, soccer equipment etc. Be creative! Who has a tetherball? Is there a school up north that is replacing used equipment?

Be assured Mateja gives out one piece of equipment at a time. Bill and Dorothy would like to equip a secondary school that has kids from Lo de Marcos to Las Varas! Hotel California always knows where needy kids are. Bring on sports equipment.

Go to complete story on Page two or go here

 

 

 

Mexico Will Ban Shark Fishing in 2012

Nathanial Gronewold - Greenwire
go to original

 

At the September 22, 2011 United Nations General Assembly meeting, Mexico announced plans to ban shark and stingray fishing starting next year. (Photo: ZUMA Press)

 

United Nations - On September 22, Mexico announced plans to ban shark and stingray fishing starting next year, creating what would be the largest initiative by one nation to protect shark species.

The temporary moratorium is part of a burgeoning global movement against the trade of shark fins used as an ingredient in an Asian delicacy. Mexican authorities said they were inspired by the "shark sanctuary" declared two years ago by Pacific nation of Palau.

"Mexico wishes to share with the international community our intention to declare next year a moratorium on shark and stingray fishing," said Yanerit Morgan, Mexico's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations on the side of a General Assembly meeting.

Click here to read the entire story

Travel Buddies in Mexico

Matchmaking Site for Vehicles to Travel Together in Mexico

Don’t want to drive alone in Mexico? There is now a site that offers a matchmaking service for those that want to travel with other vehicles.

Dorothy and Bill Bell are experts in Mexico road travel and have driven to all 31 Mexican states over a dozen times in their 30 years through the country. “We have visited with cars, trailers, motorhomes and motocycles “says Bill Bell, “and we wouldn’t give up our Mexican road trips for anything. Click here to read the entire story

TRAVEL BUDDIES   Matchmaking Service for People Driving in Mexico

If you are interested in contacting the following people to join them driving in Mexico, please register at Friends On the Road in Mexico (Click here) and contact a travel Buddy. You can also request Travel Buddies though your own post. Include the border crossing, date and where you are driving. The service is free and you won't get spam by publishing your name. Note that the list is in order by date.   October   Last Minute Connections? Nogales down the West Coast General call. Meet at the Walmart in Nogales and leave together at 8 to 8:30 am. Identify yourself with a red ribbon on your antenna Texas to Yucatan - October Joey Barbosa So happy to have found this forum. We are driving to Southern Quintana Roo in October. I've driven 5-6 times and know most of the routes, would be interested in forming a caravan Texas to Yucatan - October Andrew Osborne Colorado to Yucatan Via Texas beginning of October looking for travel buddies   Eagle Pass to Merida – October 13 Pamela Chapman Hello All, we are crossing Piedras Negras (Eagle Pass, TX) on Thursday, October 13. We are a couple with three big dogs and a camper (should be interesting lol). This is our first adventure via road to Merida. We plan to head around Mexico City and then cut over to the Coast @ Vera Cruz down to Campeche and then up to Merida. Would love to caravan. A little last minute but we just found this group. Nogales to PV - October 13 Michael Murphy I thought it might be a good idea to arrange a meeting spot at 8 am leave at 8:30 every morning at the bypass at Sanborns Nogales for those that are heading down this winter. Some people might feel safer travelling in a group. If people might have an interest in this express it here to see if its feasable. One can make Obregon or Navajoa after a good days drive and before dark then on to Bucerias _PV the next day. We will be crossing approximated a week from this Friday and although we are OK travelling solo we would join up with people if it made them feel better. Meet at Nogales Walmart before 8. Wear a red ribbon! Eagle Pass to San Pancho (North of PV) - Mid October Gail Mitchell Hi everyone, We are planning our annual drive to San Francisco (San Pancho) Nayarit from northern Illinois in mid-October. We don't have an RV, just our trusty Volvo wagon. Our plan is to cross at Eagle Pass Texas, spend one night in Matehuala and make it "home" to San Pancho the next day depending on traffic, stops, etc. We're somewhat flexible on dates. Let us know if you are traveling around that time and if you'd like to meet enroute. Nogales to Mazatlan - October 22 / 23 Patricia Weigum Hola. We will be in Nogales and crossing into Mexico around Oct. 22/23. Headed for Mazatlan on Tolle Highway. Have done this trip solo (hubby & I) past 6 years. Stop in San Carlos for one night. Have pulled small trailer in past, but storing in Arizona this year. Anyone want to buddy up? We leave Alberta Oct. 17. Nogales to PV (La Cruz) - October 26 Detlev Homolla Hi Bill thank you for adding us. We are travelling to La Cruz and will cross the border on the 26th of October through Nogales, and looking for travel buddies.   Ajo Arizona to La Penita Nayarit  - October 26 Carole Thacker La Penita RV Park "Almost Free Caravan to Mexico" Join the caravan to La Peñita RV Park. The requirement is to stay the month of November ($600) in the park. There is still lots of space to join us. We are changing things slightly this season. We are going to meet in Ajo, Arizona Oct 26, 2011and will cross the border at Lukeville October 27, 2011. We will make our way down to La Peñita to arrive there November 1. We will stay in various RV Parks on the way and each individual is responsible for Tolls, park fees and fuel, insurance, etc. We require everyone to purchase a Road Log from www.ontheroadin.com and a map or map book. Family radios are also essential. Go here for more info   Texas to San Miguel - October 31 Cy Byrd Iowa couple crossing the border on AM of Oct 31 near Laredo or Piedras Negras on our way to San Miguel. Willing to travel-buddy. We prefer the Columbia bridge. Brownsville to Belize – End of October Caprice Parkes We are heading to Belize at the end of Oct ex Vancouver. Crossing in Brownsville TX.. looking to see if we can meet up with other that will be going our way (2 week of No crossing) to caravan or get feedback on the routes   Go to Page 3 for Travel Buddies in Novermber, December and January

 

For Sale Kayak

For Sale: sit-on-top Ocean Kayak "Frenzy" with paddle    $3,500pesos    cell# 322-127-3855
 
Se Vende: Ocean Kayak "Frenzy" con canalete    $3,500pesos   cell#322-127-3855

 

 

El Monteon's Field of Dreams golf course now has its own Facebook Fans

Page click here to become a fan

 

More State-of-the-Art Hospitals Coming to Underserved Areas of Mexico including Tepic

 

Not long ago, patients in need of specialized services in Tepic, the capital of the Mexican state of Nayarit, had to travel for over one hour by ambulance to get treatment in the nearest hospital in Guadalajara. Such long distance added significant health risks and financial costs for patients seeking both specialized and emergency care.

But since the opening of a new hospital in Tepic on September 2010 by Centro Médico Puerta de Hierro S.A. a private medical services provider, the reality has changed for the city of approximately 330,000 inhabitants.

The hospital is the first of two tertiary hospitals Puerta de Hierro has built with financing from both the Inter-American Development Bank and the International Financial Corporation, which together financed 44 percent of the total cost of the $54 million project. The second tertiary care hospital is being built in Colima, the capital of the state with the same name and Mexico’s second smallest state. This second hospital is expected to open by year end.

 

Click here to read the entire story

 

---

 

 

lick the                   Click here to visit our site

The MEXICO Report’s 2nd Annual Navidad Gift Guide

Posted by Susie Albin-Najera

Yes, it’s that time of year already, except I’m posting my list a little early, so you can get a head start on your goodwill toward the world, The MEXICO Report – style.

During the year, I came across these items that stood out to me, ones I think would be of interest to you. They are in no particular order but are sure to spice up your Navidad, no matter what kind of budget you have.

Best thing is, many of these items below are the products from non-profits benefiting Mexico or that give back in some capacity, but all celebrate the Mexican culture. If you know of a non-profit that produces a product that gives back or proceeds Mexico somehow and you would like to recommend, por favor email me.

*** We will also be publishing a Holiday Wish List for non-profits in Mexico, coming soon. ***

The MEXICO Report’s 2nd Annual Navidad Gift Guide:

Click here to read the entire story

 

 

Letter to the Editor

Hi Bill & Dot,

We just received our latest copy of JaltembaSol.. Wow! It gets better with each issue...a real PLUS to the community...THANKS FOR THE GREAT SERVICE!!                                                       

  Charlie & Carmen

How to Dial a Number in Mexico

                             © Tara A. Spears

One of the challenges for gingos in Mexico is mastering the telephone dialing system.  The uninitiated reader is thinking, huh, what’s the big deal, you just punch in the numbers….. but the process is different from the north of the border system.  First off, you do not dial a land phone in the same way as a cellular number, plus add in the complication of needing to know if the number is a local call and the situation quickly turns frustrating. Not knowing Spanish really poses a challenge and increases the intimidation factor. While not a techie expert, I’ve managed to learn enough over the years that I can share some general guidelines that will empower you to place a call successfully.

Click here to read the entire story

 

New In “Street Cuisine” in Guadalajara

We have traveled throughout the country and are very used to seeing taco carts, hotdog and hamburger stands throughout the streets everywhere! However this trip to Guadalajara we noticed something new in terms of street cuisine and it is catching on quickly.

The mobile vegetable cart is the dietary coming of age street cuisine in the capital of Jalisco. Based on the “wheelbarrow style” stand, this mobile cookery boasts a large circular propane heated hot water chamber approximately 2 ft in diameter that is used primarily for cooking the corn. It has a separate center core that also contains water and cooks other vegetables separately. Below our window at the Frances Hotel, the veggie vendor cooked potatoes in this center area.

Our cart chef served broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, onions and (of course) corn.  The customer orders a plate of veggies that appeals to him and the vendor places the veggies in the boiling water while he de-kernels the corn. Want it customized. There is the standard hot sauce, crema and grated – applied liberally by the chef.

The carts came out at 5:30 and several could be seem by 6 in various squares in Centro. Healthier living brought to you via Mexican street style.

 

 

Know The Law In Mexico - Christmas Bonus

Adriana Perez Flores

Know the Law in Mexico

The labor laws for the Republic of Mexico vary for each type of employee, and each type of employer. Unfortunately, very few of us who hire maids and gardeners, hire them according to the law. We hire them all "under the table" so to speak.

The reason for this short article is due to the Christmas holidays, which are just about upon us already. No matter what type of business you have or domestic help you may have, all employees deserve a Christmas bonus under Mexican labor law. Over and above the law, this also keeps a good relationship with your employees.

Employees are entitled by law to receive 15 days pay for their Christmas bonus. If an employee normally makes 1500 pesos in a 15 day period, then this amount would also be their Christmas bonus. Some calculations maybe required, but this is what they are entitled to. The law also states this Christmas bonus must be paid by the 20th of December. Because many of us have domestic help on a part-time basis, we recommend this payment be made by December 15th. Simply because we may not see these employees until after the 20th, it's just safer to mark your calendar for the 15th. For full-time employees whom we see every day, the 20th is the deadline.
Click here to read the entire story

 

 

 

  

Check it out here Mateja's Restaurant and Bar on the Beach in Rincon de Guayabitos has its fan page on Facebook Click here

 

 

OPEN ALL SUMMER

---

 

Guayabitos and beyond to the Tres Marias by Rafael

 

 

 

Buy Local Campaign

 

 

Last year the Jaltemba Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) Committee of Los Amigos initiated a “Buy Local” campaign to encourage both full-time and seasonal residents to do as much of their shopping as possible in the Jaltemba Bay area.  Buying locally helps keep money in the community and generate employment for local residents.  With the price of gas these days, it also makes sense for consumers.

 

When we started the campaign, people were surprised to learn that many of the products they go to Bucerias or Puerto Vallarta to buy are available right here.  They didn’t know that Don Pedro’s will order in special wines or that Poppin carries a wide range of pet products.

As the winter season approaches and folks begin making their return plans – and think about stocking up – we thought this would be a good time to remind you about the importance of buying locally.

Click here to read the entire story

 

---

 

Learn Spanish Online

Get the most of out of your experience in Mexico - by learning some Spanish...

Being able to converse in Spanish will give you better access to the culture and make your visit or lifestyle in Mexico much more enjoyable and rewarding.

If you are traveling on business, being able to speak at least a little Spanish will go a long way to helping your negotiations.

Visual Link Spanish offers a unique learning experience that enables you to start speaking Spanish right away.

Spanish Lessons Online - Free

Most language courses teach a lot of grammar rules and verb conjugations, but when you're done you can't actually speak Spanish.

The Visual Link Spanish system is effective in building your conversation skills, because it teaches you to build sentences, ask and answer useful, everyday, questions and truly communicate in Spanish.

These online Spanish lessons will enable you to start speaking and understanding basic Spanish now, and they'll also provide a solid foundation for you to progress onto higher levels later on.

The course is excellent, and because of the way it's presented and structured, you'll begin to speak and understand basic Spanish right away.

Start your free interactive Visual Link Spanish lessons online now

A new window will open when you click one of the links above.

 

---

WEATHER

Click to see the current weather

Acapulco	Loreto	Puerto Vallarta
Aguascalientes	Los Mochis	Queretaro Airport
Cancun	Manzanillo	San Felipe
Cozumel	Mazatlan	San Jose Del Cabo
Cuernavaca	Merida	San Luis Potosi
Durango	Mexico City	Santa Rosalia
Ensenada	Monterrey	Tampico
Guadalajara	Morelia	Tepic
Guanajuato	Oaxaca	Veracruz
Bahias De Huatulco	Puebla	Zacatecas
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo	Puerto Escondido
La Paz	Puerto Penasco